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'American Idol' ratings drop, who to blame?

By Stone Martindale Apr 8, 2007, 18:47 GMT

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JohnApr 8th, 2007 - 19:55:12

''American Idol' ratings drop, who to blame?', and then you show a picture of Sanjaya. I'm not his fan, but I do notice that every news writer strives to make sure they implicate Sanjaya just because it's the current buzz. Why do that? If anything ratings would go up because of the controversy. The show is not over, so there is still plenty of chances for other talented singers to win. That would mean there is still enough people that haven't given up and would tune in to see what happens. If you want Melinda to win, you could just tune in and watch for example. Of course some good ones went already, but that happens every season of idol. It seems like you are just writing articles for the sole purpose to build a media fire and nothing more.

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RockvilleApr 8th, 2007 - 20:06:27

I find this season completely funny because everyone is in a uproar over Sanj. In all of the previous season numerous contestants were sent home or allowed to say because of people calling in for them.

People are angry this year because it is a non-white person advancing. The last two seasons have allowed non-talented people to become the 'idol'. I hope he goes all the way and that idol rating continue to tank.

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rockville-the rocks lay in your headApr 8th, 2007 - 20:10:21

most if not all the idol finalists and winners have been non-white.
The most agreed upon winner for this year is overwhelmingly Melinda Doolitte -not white.

you are also mistaken in classifying Indians as non white. Sepite their darker skins, they fall under the classification as Caucasian. Ask any professor of Anthropology. Iranians too fall under Caucasian classification.

Skin color is not the sole determinant of one's actual race.

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abdulApr 8th, 2007 - 20:23:43

the show has become stupid with this little sand srilankan,i will not watch any more.

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J'can girlApr 8th, 2007 - 21:38:46

This show is about talent not skin colour, and this dude Sanjaya,has absolutely no talent.
fi real yow!

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allyApr 8th, 2007 - 22:20:57

lakisha is an excellent singer. wut is this insanity with sanjaya?? he cant sing so he needs to go home. stop voting. haley needs to go pretty soon as well. people out there voting for him for the heck of it and need to get a life. this is a show for people who can sing- not little immature boys that sound like babies. also it isnt fair that his family vote for him just becuz it is there son. wake up to reality that fagjaya will not ever be successful.

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LarryApr 8th, 2007 - 22:36:49

SANJAYA WINS AMERICAN IDOL!!! The producers allowed the HAIR BOY Sanjaya to saty in there for ratings only! It backfired on them. I also have stopped watching American Idol. It insults me to even watch Sanjaya at this point. The humor is gone and the show has become a monster bore and YES the hair boy is to blame. Hey HAIR BOY!!! Are you reading this??? I hope you now win. Vote for the worst . com all they way baby!!!

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RockvilleApr 9th, 2007 - 00:19:11

Of course it is not about skin color, but those that are calling in are white. And this year it has been the Indian audience. It is clearly not about talent, but who the people calling in like.

Don't get all up tight because of my opinion. You are entitled to yours.

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boredApr 9th, 2007 - 00:33:45

This season's contestants are BORING compared to Season 5, that's why people are not tuning in. Sanjaya is helping the ratings go UP, not down. If it weren't for him, the ratings would be much lower.

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RoseApr 9th, 2007 - 04:15:06

This is a boring pack of candidates. People aren't watching because there is no one who really makes you root for them. Sanjaya is having his 15 minutes bec he is adorable in a way that makes young girls cry, and at least his hair is interesting. I think this is just an 'off' season for AI.

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confusedApr 9th, 2007 - 06:06:13

Inspite of how funny the sanj situation is, why are we blaming him? i know votefortheworst.com has made its mark on american idol. i've always wondered if it would ever come through.

its not because of sanj. its america wanting him to mess it up. its americas fault!! stop voting for him!! maybe then the show ill actuallly be about singing.
feel free for a reply

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Jacob Kasza - London, Ontario, CanadaApr 9th, 2007 - 08:15:03

Aw, c'mon, now. It was the just before the beginning of _last_ year that the producers of 'American Idol' predicted that ratings would go just a little bit softer that season and were expected it and could deal w/ it. Well, last season was even _bigger_ than ever. So it _finally_ happened, and it happened _this_ season! So don't make Sanjaya the scapegoat here. God, if _anything_, Malkar made this season _memorable_!!!!!!!!! AI producers can kiss my a|s|s!

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strellnikovApr 9th, 2007 - 11:36:57

From reading the comments I now know what I have always suspected; American Idol is stupid and so are the people who watch it.

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lets ruin idolApr 9th, 2007 - 11:59:32

keepp those votes for sanj peeps!! we can do it if we work together!!!!!!!!!!! lets teach thiose AI execs who really runs the show!!

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gynaApr 9th, 2007 - 12:56:51

Boring contestants. Simon has become boring too. And the audience has finally caught on to the producers' manipulative tactics - e.g. weepy little girl.

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DedaloApr 9th, 2007 - 15:10:31

'you are also mistaken in classifying Indians as non white. Sepite their darker skins, they fall under the classification as Caucasian. Ask any professor of Anthropology. Iranians too fall under Caucasian classification'

^^^^ The term 'white' is being used to define Anglo-Saxons, the people that make up the majority in America. Indians are not anglo-saxons and their skin is dark by comparison. Thus they are never called white and/or recognized as such, despite the fact that Indians are indeed anthropologically Caucasian.

In the United States, 'Caucasian' has primarily been used as a distinction based on skin color, for a group commonly referred to as White Americans, as defined by the government and Census Bureau.


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Danielle SmithApr 9th, 2007 - 15:59:55

I think the ratings are going down so\imply because either people are getting sick of the show like I am or it's just not something they want to watch on a tuesday and wednesday night. Also some of the singers on this seasons show really dont sing as well as past singers have on the show. Even Randy said that the boys for a couple of weeks were gettting beat by the girl. And the sanjaya issue apparantley somebody likes him if he has gotten enough votes to stay on the show so that's not it eiher. Some people just want a person to pick on and he was just in the way of the fire and burn of the media.

Holla at ya girl,
Danielle Smith

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sharonApr 9th, 2007 - 17:22:12

i think this season is boreing. There is no one left that I would pay to watch are buy a record they made so i have gave up watching the show but think it would be funny if the worst singer won.

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Steve BodyApr 9th, 2007 - 17:56:42

You want the reason for the drop in AI's ratings? Ask yourself if you have ever voted for anyone on there for any reason other than pure singing ability. If the answer is Yes, go look in the mirror for the ratings killer. This show was supposed to be about taking twelve aspiring singers and letting them compete - complete with all the pressure, the tears, victories, the personal growth, and the enormous exposure that results in even the also-rans getting recording contracts - until the best two remain. They sing off, one is crowned, and we do it all over next season. But all you have to do to see what a joke this has become is go to the AI website forums and read the useless, mindless, shallow, butt-stupid non-reasoning most of the respondents give for their choices. The Sanjaya forum is composed of screeching 12-year-olds who prattle on and on about his hair and how cute he is and how they voted 350+ times each for him. THERE'S why Sanjaya is still around. And there's why the show routinely flushes people like Chris Daughtry, Gina Glocksen and, most notably, Jennifer Hudson off prematurely. Only the teenies couldn't hold those people down, could they? Jennifer Hudson, trust me, is laughing every single day about the morons who voted her off and good for her. I have been a devoted fan of the show since Season Two but I'm about to turn it off, even though two of this year's contestants are as good as anyone who ever stood on that stage (Lakisha and Melinda) because of just such garbage as Sanjaya's little lunatic hoardes. Wonder what they'll find to screw up next, after they've driven this show off the air?

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marc1Apr 9th, 2007 - 18:29:10

The ratings are down because the judges did not do a good job of selecting talent for this years contest. They've never had this much mediocre talent in the top 24 before. Moreover, to still have 1 really awful singer and 2 mediocre to bad singers left in the top eight is unimaginable. Do they really plan to take this years top ten on a tour?

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EdApr 9th, 2007 - 20:32:17

Blame the producers. Give us the number of votes each person receives.

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fredaApr 9th, 2007 - 20:35:18

This season is a total NIGHTMARE with the boy with the HAIR still on. ICK

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KimApr 9th, 2007 - 20:38:45

First of all what is up with all the people trying to blame any of Idol on race, and saying only white people vote. What world do you live in. The people of the country vote and if the person you like is not there anymore then you didn't vote enough. As adults we know this is suppose to be a singing competetion and the one with the best voice should come out on top. The problem is that too many of you have supplied your 9-13 year old daughters with cell phones and allow them to use them when they should be studying or in bed. They are the reason why Sanjaya is still there. They swoon like girls did when The Beatles,or David Cassidy, or Micheal Jackson first appeared. The only way to fix this is to put an age limit on the voting. Also, what Idol has the anti white been watching. Season 1, Kelly Clarkson- female white, second season, Ruben Studdard- male-African American, season three Fantasia-African american-female, season four, Carrie-female - white. This season will most likely by Lakisha or Melanie since they are the best singers either way that would be Female- African American.

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photojackApr 9th, 2007 - 23:28:12

all the good looking girls were voted off first thing. Who cares about fat boys with no class?

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Rockville Go AwayApr 10th, 2007 - 01:36:17

Hey Rockhead, you were corrected for making an idiotic statement. Now shoo.

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WatcherApr 10th, 2007 - 03:06:48

Kim has made the most intelligent comment yet and has it right. Also why do so many people feel the need to want or hope to ruin this show. If you don't like it, don't watch. As far as the numbers go, most shows lose audience numbers after a couple of years - that's nothing new. There just seems to be so much hatred directed toward everything any more - the cause of so many problems in this world!!!

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PrestonApr 10th, 2007 - 05:02:19

Daylight Savings Time has nothing to do with it. It's just that this year's group isn't a very exciting top 12. Half of them are good, but half of them are bland. And I think that Sanjaya still being in the competition is scaring away viewers. I think that some viewers turned off their TV sets when Ryan Seacrest announced that Sanjaya and two others were still in it. But I feel that Sanjaya will be eliminated and some people will be relieved.

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KimApr 10th, 2007 - 06:21:10

Ratings down ?Day light saving time to blame? Dream on American Idol . The show just isn't as good as usual.The Sanjaya thing is getting beyond belief! It isn't even funny anymore.I would never miss AI but now I miss it all the time ,doesn't seem to matter any more who is the best.AI needs to rethink the voting system .Maybe the judges should choose for a longer period of time ? It really is a shame,I feel sorry for truly talented.

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We have Fan SitesApr 10th, 2007 - 12:56:32

I been watching AI since day 1. Here is my view on the show and what has happend. The singers are not as good as in previous season. AI should be glad that Sanjaya is still around. He builds controversy, good or bad it brings traffic and traffic makes the world go round. Last year the controversy was Taylor Hicks. Too old? Gray Hair? but tons of middle of the age women voted for him, bought his album, wrote love poems etc. Just check out his Fan Site. Taylor Hicks Fan Site dot com. This year its Sanjaya. My 17 year old daughter thinks 'He is a hottie', Oh mom I know he can't sing, but he is a hottie!

Don't ever under estimate the power of kids with money. They have money trust me, I know since I am a walking ATM for my teens. My 14 year old is pestering me to get her a Sanjaya Rocks T-shirt, my 17 year old printed out his picture with the Mohawk hair style. And my 16 year old boy is upset because Antonella is gone, he printed out one of her pictures.

I bought a Taylor Hicks CD last year, but this year it looks like I am going to end up buying something Sanjaya. I will continue watching AI I think its fun and entertaining. Sure its a bit blah this season, but hey there is hope for next year and the year after eh?

Cheers, Angela

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rockville-the rocks lay in your headApr 10th, 2007 - 16:31:40

Dude, then my bi-racial daughter who is whiter than them all is also white. They are all Pan-Asian, their classification is not caucasian they are Indians, like Jew is Jews, Italians. Would you call a Korean , Chinese white?

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TamaraApr 10th, 2007 - 18:28:02

There is nothing wrong with the quality of the contestants this year.

Melinda, La Kisha, Jordin, Blake, Chris, they are all very talented, entertaining and just as good as previous years. (esp the girls)

Next year you can be guaranteed the voting system will be dramtically changed so this wont happen again.

What I dont understand is, Why wont Nigel intervene and have Sanjaya leave gracefully?

If Nigel has any brains, thats what he needs to do to keep the real fans around.

If Sanjaya leaves, then yes, the votefortheworst'ers will be gone, but who cares? They are not real fans and only out there to sabotage the show.

Isnt it just as simple to have Idol Execs intervene and get Sanjaya to leave on his own?

I think that would re establish the integrity of the show.

I still love it bc I love the talent that is there, and can separate the real good ones, from the Sanjaya's but I think the longer Sanjaya stays the more people will stop watching, so the producers need to make an exception and intervene.

And change the voting system for next season.

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whynett@aol.comApr 11th, 2007 - 21:27:02

I think if a little less complaining about the comments the judges make,they are doing their job.Simon is great and Paula I love them they make the show,you to Randy would not forget you,without you three Iwould not watch the show.And for the people voting you should learn to do your job and start voting fair,The judges are not their to be judged by you the contestants do,the judges are there to speak what they think to help the contestants

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TrixieApr 15th, 2007 - 00:09:14

America Idol just needs to have Chris Daughtry appear as a special guest on the next episode. That will get their ratings up. Don't wait until the finally.
Chris Rocks!!!!!!!!!

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KKApr 17th, 2007 - 23:32:03

American Idol ratings are down because no one can compare to what Taylor Hicks did to that show permanently. He 'taylorized' it. Then this year they chose a bunch of marginally talented or entertaining kids with less experience and the show looks amateur in every way.

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Web sites like VFTWMay 17th, 2007 - 02:59:16

are killing A I by keeping losers like Sanjaya on the show to show the ignorance of Simon, Randy and Paula in allowing them to go to Hollywood in the first place.Until they stop passing no talent bums thru A I will continue to lose viewers.VFTW is now backing no telent Blake and has him in the finals as their joke so if you want Jordin as your real American Idol vote for her next week as much as you can to show the jerks at VFTW they can't screw with the real winner.Blake should have gone home this week and the real final would be Jordin and Melinda.Judges stop passing eople thru as jokes because jokes backfire.

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I've seen people claiming race,teens,May 17th, 2007 - 03:33:24

and everything under the sun here. to start Look at Ruben, Fantasia, Taylor,
for failed Idols.Kelly C and Carrie are the only Idols who are showing success and I think Jordin can have success this year but as long as American Idol continues to allow voting as it has been we will have sub-par winners like Taylor,Fantasia and the likes. Change the voting or drop the show,or the viewers will stop watching, at least this one will and I feel others as well will be done.Carrie will be the best selling and best overall Idol ever at the rate she is goingand people are already saying Taylor who?

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RobbieJan 18th, 2008 - 00:33:42

If anything, I am suprised this has not happened sooner. The simple truth of the matter is that you can only be on the top for so long, before things begin to fall. In another words, just another case of trends taking another switch, as they always have, and will continue to do, so long as there are trends to be had.

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kelsieFeb 4th, 2008 - 19:30:17

american idol is a reality tv show with real people
it helps make people famous that either dress up really crazy or if they can sing really good.
there's auctually no point in having auditions in the beginig when all they show is cyco people who dress up like asses

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cathy ( surprised)Feb 20th, 2008 - 05:55:46

I have never seen the show this early in the judging prossess. This show tonight, except for the last singer, was awful. You people have been taking money under false pretenses. Sooner or later the show will go down in flames, or the entire music industry will eat itself. I've heard better singing in church.
Please stop using these poor children for your own sport and profit.You can't take the money with you.

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ballerinagirlApr 11th, 2008 - 02:22:16

this is the first year i have watched idol..very exciting at first,but has become boring and a few of the remaining contestants should of been gone. i think one reason your ratings are down are because some of the singers voted by popularity are boring...u can say vote,vote,vote...but your ratings will continue to drop due to who is left. also,Paula Abduhl is very strange and at times she has a hard time getting her words out...what is up with that?? Simon keeps up with the remarks,but does it to add spice to the show,so to sum it all up ..... the one season i have watched is so predictable and yes the show will fade. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT..the 17 yr old needs to stop the monkey grin as well as the dred locks guy. its like a teen show.

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